Western Force go international for Warm ups

The Western Force have announced that they will host pre-season fixtures in Perth when they face Samoa A in Rockingham and and Argentinian side, Pampas XV, in Joondalup.

The two matches will give the Sea of Blue their first opportunity to see the Western Force in action in 2014, prior to their Super Rugby season-opener against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday, 23 February.

The Western Australians will open their pre-season campaign against Samoa A at the Lark Hill Sportsplex in Rockingham.

The match will assist the visiting team's preparations for their 2014 Pacific Nations Cup campaign. Pampas XV is regarded as Argentina's second XV, and will also contest this year's Pacific Nations Cup against Fijian, Samoan, Tonga and Japanese opposition.

The South American side previously competed in South Africa's Vodacom Cup between 2010 and 2013, winning the competition with an undefeated season in 2011. The match against Pampas XV will take place at Arena Joondalup, with an earlier match to feature Force A against Samoa A.

Head Coach Michael Foley says the matches will assist in wrapping up his team's Super Rugby preparations ahead of their Week One match against the Waratahs. "We're pleased to be able to complete our preparations for the Super Rugby season in front of our people in Perth," he said.

"These matches against Pampas XV and Samoa A provide us with an excellent opportunity to put into practice what we've worked on during the pre-season."

Tickets for both matches will be available at the gate. Children (under 18) will be admitted free of charge for both matches. The Western Force kicks off their 2014 Super Rugby campaign against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday, 23 February.